Replaceable Cylinder Padlock Body With Tamper-Protected Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlocks are costly to manufacture and complex to replace the locking mechanism, with security vulnerabilities such as exposed screws or pins that can be easily accessed or removed, leading to potential security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A padlock body design featuring a rotatable actuator with a groove that engages with the shackle, allowing easy substitution of replaceable locking cylinders, and a blocking mechanism that secures fasteners to prevent unauthorized access, reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a keyhole is provided in the body for receiving a key, then the padlock can be opened with a key, but the padlock becomes vulnerable to picking and bypassing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the keyhole from the padlock body, extracting the traditional key insertion point entirely. The locking mechanism operates through a keyless system where the cylinder is rotated within the body to engage or disengage the locking bolt, eliminating the vulnerability associated with keyholes while maintaining the ability to lock and unlock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key insertion and tumbling mechanism with a rotary cylinder system. Instead of inserting a key and tumbling pins, the user rotates the cylinder within the body, which mechanically engages or disengages the locking bolt through a different mechanical pathway that does not require a keyhole.
2Device complexity
If the locking cylinder is fixed to the body, then the structure is simple, but the cylinder cannot be replaced and repair options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking mechanism into separable components: the body and the locking cylinder are distinct, replaceable parts. The cylinder is retained by a retention mechanism that allows it to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the body structure. This segmentation enables users to replace the cylinder if lost or damaged while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the cylinder during normal operation, enables easy removal for replacement, and provides a standardized interface for installing different cylinder types. This multi-functionality achieves both structural simplicity and adaptability for cylinder replacement.
3Reliability
If the locking bolt extends through the body, then engagement is reliable, but the bolt is vulnerable to picking and bypassing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional keyhole and extends the locking bolt through the body in a way that eliminates picking vulnerability. The bolt engages with a receiver that is accessible only when the cylinder is in the correct rotational position, preventing unauthorized access or picking attempts while maintaining reliable locking engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
The invention relates to a padlock body (10) for engaging with a replaceable locking cylinder (20) comprising: an actuator (30) comprising a groove (32), the actuator (30) being rotatable about a vertical axis (X) between a locked position and an unlocked position; the actuator (30) further comprising a first end and a second end opposed to the first end, the first end comprising the groove (32) and the second end being operatively connectable to the replaceable locking cylinder (20); a shackle (12) comprising a first end (13) and a second end (14), the first end (13) being attached to said padlock body (10), the second end (14) being movable for engaging with the groove (32) of the actuator (30); and at least one fastener (40) for securing the padlock body (10) to the replaceable locking cylinder (20).